Reigning champion Andy Priaulx has warned his World Touring Car rivals he intends to keep a vice-like grip on the title.
The second WTCC season begins on April 2 in Italy and the BMW Team GB driver is eyeing a third successive title.
The 31-year-old from Guernsey lifted the European championship in 2004 and remained the man to beat on a global stage in the inaugural WTCC season.
Priaulx only clinched the title in the last race of the season at Macau and has predicted another tight finish to the 20-race series which begins at Monza.
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And the SEAT team are likely to lead the challenge to Priaulx.
They have splashed the cash on six drivers - including former British Touring Car champions James Thompson and Jason Plato.
"The standard has gone up considerably and any one of 10 drivers could win it, added Priaulx. That's the beauty of WTCC - it's wide open.
"SEAT have made their intentions clear but you can't really discount anyone before the first race."
